Articles by Rick Laezman

When it comes to harnessing the power of the sun, there’s a lot more to it than just throwing down a towel and catching some rays. Ask J.M. Electrical Co. Inc. The Lynnfield, Mass., contractor with 140 electricians just completed an installation that was anything but typical. READ MORE

It could be said that the green movement has mastered the art of the possible, lauding every technological breakthrough as an innovative way for society to reduce harmful pollutants, harness renewable-energy sources and allow us to live comfortably in a digital age. READ MORE

The success of one technology often feeds another. For example, renewable power and energy storage have each other to thank, in many respects, for their combined rising popularity. Storage helps meet the needs of renewables, and their growth, in turn, increases the demand for more storage. READ MORE

Like the desert in summer, the solar power controversy in Arizona continues to sizzle. The drama involving Arizona Public Service (APS), net metering and solar power has been well documented. Now, a new storyline has emerged. READ MORE

It should come as no surprise that cities are at the forefront of society’s movement toward a more energy-efficient, green and technologically driven future.
Collectively referred to as “smart cities,” market research firm Navigant Research has documented their growth. It is predicting robust expansion in the global market. READ MORE

Nothing is infallible. Even the growing deployment of smart-grid technology can’t eliminate power outages. According to a recent report, power outages continue to be a problem for businesses and residential customers. READ MORE

Renewables are always setting some kind of record in their never-ending quest for market parity. Recently, in Germany renewables broke new ground by producing nearly 100 percent of the country’s electricity, if only for a short time. The new milestone had the additional effect of driving prices negative during the brief glut. READ MORE

When something innovative catches on, other related technology often gets its own boost. In many cases, the success of the two is intertwined, each feeding off of the other. For example, it is hard to imagine the Internet without PCs and vice versa. READ MORE

There is no shortage of blustering and boasting in the digital age, as entrepreneurs and innovators always claim to have invented the next big thing. Elon Musk, founder and CEO of electric-vehicle and battery pioneer Tesla, is known for making his share of boastful claims. READ MORE